The Whitecourt Pumpjack Players

By Rechell McDonald

When was the last time you got out and saw some live theatre? Better, yet, when was the last time you performed? While standing centre-stage may not be for everyone, Whitecourt does have its very own group of performers, and whether you just like to watch or would love to join in, you should get to know them.

Whitecourt Pumpjack Players is celebrating its 33^rd year in Whitecourt and, on top of its board of directors, it boasts a membership of 40 people. You may recognize the group if you made it out to the recent Alice in Wonderland Jr. Production but, if not, don’t fret! There are lots of opportunities to enjoy the group, particularly in the coming months.

“New this year, we are teaming up with the Town of Whitecourt to offer a week-long drama camp. We recognized there is a great need among the youth in Whitecourt for theatre and this camp will give them an opportunity to spend a week in the summer having fun and learning all about drama,” explains Bridgette Moore, president of the organization. “We offer a variety of theatrical experiences to the people of our community. Most popular is our annual dinner theatre that takes place the last two weekends of November; however, recently we have started holding children’s productions and those have proven to be extremely popular with the youth of Whitecourt.”

Moore recalls that the support for the group used to be very strong with the dinner theatre tickets selling out almost immediately. Despite some ups and downs over the years, she reports that support is growing again. Although the organization runs solely on “passion and volunteers,” Moore points out that you don’t have to be a performer to join the fun. “Theatre productions need a lot of hands to help in numerous areas including costumes, makeup, set construction, organization, and media. It takes all kinds of talents to bring Whitecourt these theatre experiences.”

If you are curious to see what it’s all about, you can attend the group’s AGM on June 16 at the Community Centre, or stop by its booth on June 18 at Arts in the Park. Membership to the group only costs $1.

If you are interested in the drama camp, it will run July 11 to14 and registration must occur by July 4. The fall dinner theatre will take place November 18 and 19, and again on November 25 and 26.

Keep up-to-date with the Whitecourt Pumpjack Players by joining them on their Facebook page, visiting their website, www.pumpjackplayers.com or emailing them at pumpjackplayers@outlook.com.